Orbiting Raro

[EricW]

Just returned from a fortnight of MX5ing in Rarotonga and thought I would
re-inforce what Nigel had to say in the latest "Top Down"

We actually had an uncannily similar experience to Nigel, I booked an MX5 by
email and finished up with the very car that Nigel pictured on the front of
the magazine.

Raro is a great place for an MX5 and there are probably more there per capita
than any where else on earth, all NA, except for one Gold NB which I think is
privately owned. You can rent one from about $50 per day all up, but you
probably want to take the $4 per day insurance waiver as the excess is $2000
otherwise. You need a Rarotongan Licence, it costs $10 and is simply a tourist
tax. If you are going to Aitutaki, (you really should), get one there and you
can drive on Rarotonga, it costs only $2.50. Believe me, you don't need that
excuse to go to Aitutaki, but it works as a clincher.

The rental MX5s are not in great nick, most are quite old and the climate and
conditions are not kind, hoods in particular seem to crap out and get fixed
with masking tape or whatever comes to hand. Although most of the time you
will be "top down", when it rains it really shows you what rain is, so you
need to have a good lid.

One aspect I had not considered was that when I left the top up overnight the
hood latches got so darned hot through the roof that I could not touch them,
the black interior is another matter again!

But the general speed limit is only 40 Km/h and the locals will shout at you
if they think you are going too fast, so condition is not a big factor. It
does get really dark at night though, so make sure the lights work! Then just
enjoy! It is hot sunny, beautiful and the natives are friendly.

The Island is 32 km round, all on sealed roads and there are lots of little
side roads to explore. The foliage grows to the edge of the road in a lot of
places and sight lines for passing are not good, so tootling along at 40 does
not seem too slow.

Of course there are the ubiquitous motor scooters, ridden by huge Island
ladies who sit very upright in their Sunday best, (Message to God, Please
don't send me back as a Rarotongan Motor Scooter!) or young island youths who
adopt a kind of racing stance, sitting well back on the seat with legs and
arms straight, whilst hurtling along at a breathtaking 45 km/h. Dogs and
chickens abound and there are no footpaths and few street lights. 40 km/h is
fast enough and you need to be on your toes.

We find that we go somewhere and the question becomes, which way is quickest,
as either way will get you there. As time is totally unimportant, (ask a
Rarotongan the time and he will likely say "who cares") we just went in
whichever direction and usually finished up driving right round the island.
This can be a money trap however, as gas is $1.75 per litre, for 91 unleaded,
and we think we have it hard! Very few gas stations, (and there is one about
every 5 km around the Island) take cards or Eftpos so keep a few bucks on
hand. By the way, leave your Amex and Diners at home, Visa and Mastercard are
all that works up there. There are a number of ATMs though.

The best views on the Island are from the Hospital and "Highland Paradise"
both accessible by MX5 and there are some great places to eat. Everyone says
Raro is expensive, but we found that it was quite comparable with Auckland for
most things. The best restaurant on the Island, probably Da Carlo with
Windjammer and Tamarind close behind.

They take a strong position on drunk driving, I never expected to get random
breath tested on a Pacific Island, but sure enough, heading out of Avarua on
New Years Eve, there they were. Fortunately I don't drink, but a "sniff" is
enough, they dont have a limit or any scientific methods, you have been
drinking, you're in the can for the night! Keep it in moderation!

Look, I could go on about the place for hours, but simply, just hire an MX5
and go there! It is one great MX5 experience, just park it by "Fruits of
Rarotonga", grab the snorkel and dive in, you may never want to come home

Another couple of Raro Fans

Ann & Eric

[Keith Cook]

Lucky devils. Didn't have any when we were there in 2000! had to make
do with a clapped out moped and equally clapped Suzuki /Holden Barina.

[...]

[Keith Cook]

Lucky devils. Didn't have any when we were there in 2000! had to make
do with a clapped out moped and equally clapped Suzuki /Holden Barina.

[...]